Strength Through Water: Avinash's Inspiring Open Water Journey

At Openwater Swim TRIbe, we believe every swimmer has a powerful story. Stories of resilience, discovery, and transformation. This is one such journey — of Avinash, a swimmer who found healing and strength through the water, despite all odds.

Avinash’s story begins not with medals or marathons, but in quiet waters.

As a child, physical activity wasn’t part of his life. But on occasional summer visits to Ulsoor’s Kensington Swimming Pool, he discovered something magical. He didn’t swim for fitness or form — he swam because it made him happy. Over time, though, routine took over, and that joy quietly faded.

Then came 2015. A devastating bike accident left him with multiple fractures — femur, patella, tibia, fibula, humerus — and a skull injury. His body, once untouched by sport, became fragile. Doctors were unsure if he’d ever regain full strength. But one line from his cousin stayed with him: “Do what you love, and do it consistently.”

By the end of 2019, at a personal low, Avinash turned inward and returned to the water. He started swimming laps again, slowly rebuilding both technique and confidence. Just as he found rhythm, the pandemic hit. But when pools reopened, he dove back in with quiet determination.

In 2023, encouraged by friends, Avinash signed up for his first open water swim in Goa. Despite being stung by a jellyfish during practice, he completed the 2.5 km swim. That breakthrough marked the beginning of a new chapter. Since then, he’s completed 11 open water swims across India — in seas, rivers, and lakes from the Arabian Sea to the Periyar River.

In March 2025, Avinash lost his father. Swimming became his refuge. Just weeks later, he completed a 10 km river swim — his longest yet — and dedicated it to his dad. A tribute of love and endurance.

Swimming gave Avinash more than physical recovery. It offered mental clarity, purpose, and peace. “Swimming is meditative — a moving escape from the chaos of life,” he says.

Through it all, he found a community of coaches, fellow swimmers, and open water dreamers who lifted him forward. Today, he swims not for accolades, but for growth, healing, and the simple joy of movement.

His story is a quiet reminder: it’s never too late to begin.

“Every time I step into the water, I’ll remember why I started — not for anyone else, but for me.”

If you’ve been waiting for a sign, maybe this is it.

The water is waiting.

Here's a video on Avinash's journey: